PCP 05-03-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - ARIL 5, 2006 8 , B. SIGN MORATORIUM . Mr. Lehnhoff stated at the March 13, 2006, City Council meeting, the Council voted to approve a one-year sign moratorium while staff develops a revised sign ordinance, Recent court cases in Minnesota and around the country regarding billboards and other fonns of adveliising have prompted staff to review the sign ordinance to ensure that it is in conformance with state statutes, is constitutional, and meets the City's needs, In order to help make the moratorium a smooth transition for residents and businesses, the following exceptions are in the moratorium: I. Signs in commercial and industrial areas may still be refaced provided that the new facing is not any larger than the previous face. Rcfacing refers to changing the message on the sign and not the sign structure itself. This process would still require a pem1it. 2, Residential areas can post a sign that is six square feet or less in size without a permit. A primary reason for this provision is to allow residential properties to post a for sale sign without the need for a permit. 3, New temporary signs may be posted with a pem1it for up to 90 days or upon termination of the moratorium, whichever is earlier, subj ect to certain provisions listed in the moratorium. The moratorium has been enacted for up to one year. If the moratorium is needed for more than one year, it can be extended after a public hearing is held; however, staff . anticipates reviewing and adopting a new sign ordinance within the next few months, Upon adoption of a new sign ordinance, the moratorium will be lifted. When the sign ordinance update is ready for public comment, it will be brought to the Planning Commission for review. No action is required at this time, C. BLUECROSSIBLUESHIELD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE OPPORTUNITY Ms, Barton stated the Metropolitan Council requires jurisdictions to submit a Comprehensive Plan outlining their policies and objectives related to land use and zoning. This plan is required to be updated every ten years, and the next update is due at the end of 2008, BlueCross BlueShicld of Minnesota is offering municipalities the opportunity to apply for a grant to encourage active living in the Comprehensive Plan. The grant is intended to assist municipalities to integrate active living principles into their communities. Spccilieally, this funding opportunity is designed to support communities in preparing their Comprehensive Plan and identifying relevant ordinance subsections for modification in keeping with the new plans, .